Wednesday October 16, 2024
By Michael McGurran
The League of Women Voters and local groups are providing online voting resources in Somali and Arabic to help overcome language issues ahead of Election Day.
FARGO — Learning the ground rules is important for first-time voters, but it can be tough to learn about the candidates online or by watching the news if English isn't your first language.
To help new Americans overcome language barriers, the League of Women Voters in the Red River Valley teamed up with local organizations to help develop online voting resources in English, Somali and Arabic, focusing on information around North Dakota's House and Senate candidates.
"I think people will be amazed how many languages are spoken in our community," Randi Dombek, League of Women Voters in the Red River Valley president, said.
The groups opted to focus on Somali and Arabic, based on community needs specific to the Red River Valley.
Fowzia Adde with the Immigrant Development Center says new Americans are often the most enthusiastic voters, they just need help grasping the basics.
"Learn the democracy of this country and appreciate the good life that we have in America," Adde said.
Timing played a large role in rolling out new resources. A law passed in 2023 requires naturalized U.S. citizens to update their identification after becoming naturalized citizens.
In September, North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe helped welcome 200 new Americans to the state in a naturalization ceremony, encouraging them to vote for the first time.
With the Nov. 5 election three weeks away, the hope is to get as many people as possible to engage with one of America's most cherished rights: the right to vote.
"I encourage (all) North Dakotans to come out and vote, because this is the best way to express yourself," Adde says.
The League of Women Voters hopes to expand their online resources to other languages in future elections.
Their guide on helping first-time voters, available in Somali and Arabic, is available on the League of Women Voters' website .